Pret A Manger has always impressed me with its offering of healthy, fresh, and seasonal food. I have frequented its shops in New York City and was aware that it had opened its first Jersey City location in Newport Center mall. So, when I received a mail from the Newport Center informing that the sandwich chain would not only open today but give away free breakfast/lunch, I was thrilled.
Barnstock brick-tile gives the brand a reclaimed finish
I wanted to make it to their 12 PM lunch giveaway, so had set a reminder for 11.45 am (I was in Starbucks working on a story). At 11.50 am, I was standing outside the shop, perhaps the 50th in line. Glancing behind me, I could see a big crowd. The line snaking down possibly all the way to the entrance of the mall. And since the entrance, which was beyond my view, was perhaps jammed with people queueing up for the freebie, the mall security devised a plan to move the crowd up to line in the opposite direction. This would ease the regular foot traffic entering and exiting the mall.
The clip here shows the constant movement of people as they line up for giveaways.
The prospect of eating a fresh bowl of salad and cold pressed juice kept me enthused. When my turn came, I picked Chicken and Avocado salad, and cold-pressed Watermelon juice.
Chargrilled chicken (antibiotic-free), avocado, grape tomatoes, lemon juice, mesclun, dried cranberries, and roasted walnut.
A seasonal cold-pressed juice made with sun-ripened watermelons and a touch of strawberry puree.
After consuming the delicious freshness, I did a digestion walk, ending up at the front of the chain again. The lunch giveaways had ended, but two friendly representatives were distributing free fruit cups. I picked a cup each of melon medley and grapes.
Summing up my love for Pret A Manger and its inauguration in Newport Center, I was not expecting to receive a voucher that another representative gave me for a free coffee or tea.
Such a beautiful day! Thank you, Pret A Manger.
Pretty amazing that they didn’t limit the number of people or the price of the lunch–how unusual! I like their food too.
In the mail that the Newport Center sent me, it was specified that the first 500 people would get lunch (so there was a limit there). But there was no limit on the price meaning I could pick anything I wanted. My freebies: chicken avocado salad $9, cold-pressed Watermelon juice $5, two fruit cups $6, tea/coffee voucher $2.50 🙂
Thanks Tina for your time 🙂 Much appreciated.
Good review!
So glad to hear they are in the states. I think it was in London that we enjoyed our first Pret A Manger experience.
Now, I have to wait until they work their way down to Texas! ☺
Thanks😊 Wonderful to hear from you. Long time. Hope they’ll branch out into Texas soon. Do you remember what you ordered in London?
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I wondered if everyone got a free meal. Reading your comment to Tina, 500 free lunches sounds like plenty. It is a great publicity move and hope many enjoyed the meals enough to return. What you picked there looks delicious and a well-rounded meal. That watermelon juice in particular sounds refreshing and from the sounds of it, you enjoyed it thoroughly 🙂 And also some fruits and a voucher too. It must have been your lucky day 🙂
Yes, it was a fabulous day 🙂 Freebies aside, I’ve always liked this sandwich chain (one of the reasons being they offer their unsold food to charity at the end of each day rather than keeping them to sell the next day; they’re perhaps one of the leading chains to introduce this concept). Those who stood in line got their lunch and those who arrived late got at least a fruit cup. Thanks Mabel so much for your thoughts 🙂
That is nice to hear about the food chain, making sure food doesn’t go to waste and those who need food get food to eat. A worthy eatery to support. Sounds like everyone got something. Really love this write up, Mahesh. Queuing up to get lunch is an every day affair, but you were observant, told us the details and I felt like I was at the sandwich chain with you 🙂
Appreciate your kind words, Mabel 🙂 Thanks a lot.
No worries, Mahesh. Looking forward to reading more about your part of the world and how you experience it. And loved your piece in Lady By The River 🙂
Loved your piece too 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot, M 🙂
I’ve never heard of it but it sure does look like yummy food 🙂 Cool that you checked out the new location and also I liked seeing the video clip of the busy mall 🙂
Yes, the food was delicious, the day was fun, and I can finally pronounce it: pret-ah-mahn-zhay. Thanks, Christy 🙂
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Love that place. Your food shots have made me incredibly hungry!
Glad they did. Thanks, Lisa😊
The salad sounds (and looks) yummy. Your waiting was worthwhile…. 🙂
Totally agree 🙂 Thanks, Maniparna 🙂